Methods, Systems, and Products for Providing Ring Tones

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for processing a ring tone. An electronic database is queried for a calling number, and contact information associated with the calling number is retrieved. A ring tone database is queried for the contact information, and the ring tone database stores an association between the contact information and a ring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information is retrieved and processed to alert a called number to a communication from the calling number.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/270,029, filed Nov. 13, 2008, now issued as U.S. patent X,XXX,XXX,and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to telephonic communications andto telecommunications and, more particularly, to call alerting, tosupervisory control line signaling, and to special services.

Personalized phones are very popular. Mobile phones, for example, can bepersonalized with selected ring tones, colorful and themed covers, andeven more unique phone designs. Recently customers can even downloadsongs and other ring tones to further personalize their phones.Customers desire these personalized features, and these personalizedfeatures are profitable for the service provider. Service providers andcustomers thus benefit from an ever expanding selection of personalizedfeatures.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide methods, systems, apparatuses, andproducts for a ring tone service. This ring tone service provides acustomizable alert to a called party. As most people know, an alert isproduced when an incoming telephone call, email, or other communicationis received. The alert may be a ring, flashing light, vibration, orother indicator. The ring tone service described herein, though, allowsa subscriber to customize the alert that indicates the incomingcommunication. That is, ring tones may be “personalized” by asubscriber, and this ring tone service provides an additional revenueopportunity for the service provider.

Exemplary embodiments include a method of processing a ring tone. Acommunication is processed from a calling number to a called number. Anelectronic database is queried for the calling number, and contactinformation associated with the calling number is retrieved. A ring tonedatabase is queried for the contact information, and the ring tonedatabase stores an association between the contact information and aring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information isretrieved and processed to alert the called number to the communicationfrom the calling number.

Other exemplary embodiments include a processor-controlled device thatprovides a ring tone. The processor-controlled device is operative toprocess a communication from a calling number to a called number. Anelectronic database is queried for the calling number, and contactinformation associated with the calling number is retrieved. A ring tonedatabase is queried for the contact information, and the ring tonedatabase stores an association between the contact information and aring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information isretrieved and processed to alert the called number to the communicationfrom the calling number.

More exemplary embodiments describe a computer readable storage mediumthat stores processor-executable instructions for processing a ringtone. A communication is processed from a calling number to a callednumber. An electronic database is queried for the calling number, andcontact information associated with the calling number is retrieved. Aring tone database is queried for the contact information, and the ringtone database stores an association between the contact information anda ring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information isretrieved and processed to alert the called number to the communicationfrom the calling number.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according tothe exemplary embodiments will be or become apparent to one withordinary skill in the art upon review of the following drawings anddetailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems,methods, and/or computer program products be included within thisdescription, be within the scope of the claims, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplaryembodiments are better understood when the following DetailedDescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating a ring tone service,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 2-5 are more detailed schematics illustrating the ring toneservice, according to more exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating local retrieval of a ring tone,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematics illustrating contact information, accordingto exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 9 is another schematic illustrating local retrieval of the ringtone, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematics illustrating end notes, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating a ring tone identifier, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating email profiles, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate other operating environments, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 17-20 are schematics further illustrating various communicationsdevices for presenting ring tones, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 21 is another schematic illustrating a ring tone service, accordingto exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts illustrating method of providing apersonalized ring tone, according to exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplaryembodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand thatthe exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operatingsystems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, arenot intended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected”or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first device could be termed asecond device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a firstdevice without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating a ring tone service,according to exemplary embodiments. A calling party, using the callingparty's communications device 10, initiates a communication 12 to acalled party's communications device 14. The communication 12 may be anyform of electronic communication (such as an email, instant message,page, or facsimile communication), a Plain Old Telephone Systemtelephone call, and/or an Internet Protocol telephone call. Thecommunication 12 routes from the calling party's communications device10 via a communications network 16 to the called party's communicationsdevice 14. The called party's communications device 14 then produces aring tone 18. The ring tone 18 may be any note(s), song, and/or audiblefeature that alerts of the incoming communication 12. The ring tone 18may also include visual or tactile features, such as a flashing light,display of video, and/or vibration that alerts to the incomingcommunication 12. As later paragraphs will explain, the ring tone 18 maybe sent or delivered to the called party's communications device 14, orthe ring tone 18 may be retrieved and played by the called party'scommunications device 14. Regardless, the ring tone 18 alerts the calledparty to the communication 12.

Exemplary embodiments, however, allow the ring tone 18 to bepersonalized. If the called party and/or the calling party subscribes tothis ring tone service, the called party and/or the calling party mayselect aspects of the ring tone 18 that is presented by the calledparty's communications device 14. When the called party sees/hears/feelsthe ring tone 18, the ring tone 18 may be personalized. The personalizedring tone 18 may be any music, tone(s), and/or graphics that indicatethe identity of the calling party, the identity of the called party,and/or the subject matter of the communication. A unique .mp3 file, forexample, may be presented when mom calls. The soundtrack to “RockyBalboa” may indicate that an incoming communication is intended for dad.As later paragraphs will explain, the ring tone 18 may even indicate thesubject matter of the communication. The “Star-Spangled Banner,” forexample, may indicate that an incoming call is related to a cub scoutsfunction. The ring tone 18 may be any picture, portion of a movie,self-composed music, or any other content that may be presented by thecalled party's communications device 14. The ring tone 18 may even bepersonalized with streamed audio and/or video content, such as radio,stock quotes, news, weather, and/or advertisements. The ring tone 18 mayalso be personalized using logical rules, such as personalization by themonth, the day of the week, and/or the time of day. The ring tone 18, inother words, may be personalized to provide any indication of thecalling party, the called party, and/or the subject matter content ofthe communication 12.

As later paragraphs will explain, exemplary embodiments may alsorepresent social relationships. Ring tones may be defined for socialnetworking groups, such as FACEBOOK® and MY SPACE®. If the calling partyand/or the called party is a FACEBOOK® or MY SPACE® friend, for example,a predetermined ring tone may be presented to alert of that socialgroup. FACEBOOK® friends may have a different ring tone from MY SPACE®friends. Similarly, ring backs may be defined for other social andprofessional networking groups.

FIGS. 2-5 are more detailed schematics of the ring tone service,according to exemplary embodiments. When the calling party'scommunications device 10 initiates or sends the communication 12, thecommunication 12 originates from a communications address 32 associatedwith the calling party's communications device 10. If the communication12 is an email or Voice-over Internet Protocol call, for example, thenthe communication 12 originates from an Internet Protocol address 34associated with the calling party's communications device 14. If thecommunication 12 is a telephone call or Voice-over Internet Protocolcall, then the communication 12 may originate from a calling telephonenumber 36 associated with the calling party's communications device 10.The communication 12 routes to a communications address 38 (e.g.,Internet Protocol address 40 or called telephone number 42) associatedwith the called party's communications device 14. Regardless, thecommunication network (illustrated as reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1)processes the communication 12 for eventual delivery or termination atthe called party's communications device 14.

A communications server 50 may help provide the ring tone service. Thecommunications server 50 operates at any location within thecommunications network (illustrated as reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1).The communications server 50 may store and execute a server-side ringtone module 52. The server-side ring tone module 52 may be stored inmemory 54 of the communications server 50. A processor 56 maycommunicate with the server's memory 54 and execute the server-side ringtone module 52. The server-side ring tone module 52 may control ormanage the ring tone service for the calling party and/or for the calledparty. The server-side ring tone module 52 may comprise methods,computer programs, and/or computer program products that help provide acustomer a personalized ring tone service to the called party'scommunications device 14. As the communication 12 is processed to thecommunications address 38 associated with the called party'scommunications device 14, the communications server 50 is notified thatpersonalized ring tone service is desired. The communications server 50,for example, may process the communication 12 and compare telephonenumbers and/or Internet Protocol addresses to determine thatpersonalized ring tone service is desired. The communications server 50may additionally or alternatively be informed or notified thatpersonalized ring tone service is desired. Regardless, when personalizedring tone service is required, the server-side ring tone module 52queries one or more electronic databases when providing the ring toneservice.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, for example, the server-side ring tone module 52may query an online address book database 60. The online address bookdatabase 60 may store one or more subscriber's online address books. Asa subscriber's number of contacts grows, the online address bookdatabase 60 provides a single repository for all of the subscriber'scontacts. The online address book database 60 is easily accessible andreduces, or even eliminates, the need to synchronize different contactsdatabases that are maintained on separate communications devices. Theonline address book database 60 is illustrated as being locally storedin the memory 54 of the communications server 50, but the online addressbook database 60 may be remotely stored and maintained at any locationwithin the communications network (illustrated as reference numeral 16in FIG. 1). The online address book database 60 is illustrated as atable 62 that maps or relates communications addresses 64 to addressbooks 66. The server-side ring tone module 52 queries the online addressbook database 60 for the called party's communications address 38 (e.g.,the Internet Protocol address 40 or the called telephone number 42illustrated in FIG. 2). The online address book database 60 performs alookup and retrieves the corresponding address book 66 that isassociated with the called party's communications address 38.

As FIG. 4 illustrates, the server-side ring tone module 52 may thenretrieve contact information 80. Once the called party subscriber'saddress book 82 is obtained from the online address book database 60,the called party's address book 82 may be used to retrieve the contactinformation 80. FIG. 4 illustrates the called party's address book 82 asa table 84 that maps or relates the communications addresses 64 to thecontact information 80. The contact information 80 may be anyinformation that is associated to the called party's address book 82.The contact information 80, for example, may be a name, physicaladdress, and/or telephone number associated with a calling party. Thecontact information 80, though, may additionally or alternativelyinclude family members, employment information, alternative telephone oremail addresses, birthday(s), and anniversaries. The contact information80 may even include a virtual business card file 86. The server-sidering tone module 52 queries the called party's address book 82 for thecalling party's communications address 32 (e.g., the calling party'sInternet Protocol address 34 or calling telephone number 36 illustratedin FIG. 2). The server-side ring tone module 52 retrieves the contactinformation 80 associated with the calling party's communicationsaddress 32.

FIG. 5 illustrates a ring tone database 100. The ring tone database 100may store an association between the contact information 80 and thecorresponding ring tone 18. The ring tone database 100 is illustrated asbeing locally stored in the communications server 50, but the ring tonedatabase 100 may be remotely located and accessible within thecommunications network (illustrated as reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1).Regardless, the communications server 50 queries the ring tone database100 for the contact information 80. FIG. 5 illustrates the ring tonedatabase 100 as a table or map that relates the contact information 80to the corresponding ring tone 18. The ring tone database 100 retrievesthe personalized ring tone 18 associated with the contact information80. The server-side ring tone module 52 then causes the communicationsnetwork 16 to process the personalized ring tone 18 as an audible and/orvisual alert to the incoming communication 12. The communications server50, for example, sends or routes the .mpg file, .wav file, or picturefile to the communications address 38 (e.g., Internet Protocol address40 or called telephone number 42) associated with the called party'scommunications device 14. The called party's communications device 14then audibly, visually, and/or tactilely presents the ring tone file 18.

Exemplary embodiments may be applied regardless of networkingenvironment. The communications network 16 may be a cable networkoperating in the radio-frequency domain and/or the Internet Protocol(IP) domain. The communications network 16, however, may also include adistributed computing network, such as the Internet (sometimesalternatively known as the “World Wide Web”), an intranet, a local-areanetwork (LAN), and/or a wide-area network (WAN). The communicationsnetwork 16 may include coaxial cables, copper wires, fiber optic lines,and/or hybrid-coaxial lines. The communications network 16 may eveninclude wireless portions utilizing any portion of the electromagneticspectrum and any signaling standard (such as the I.E.E.E. 802 family ofstandards, GSM/CDMA/TDMA or any cellular standard, and/or the ISM band).The communications network 16 may even include powerline portions, inwhich signals are communicated via electrical wiring. The conceptsdescribed herein may be applied to any wireless/wireline communicationsnetwork, regardless of physical componentry, physical configuration, orcommunications standard(s).

The communications server 50 is only simply illustrated. Because thearchitecture and operating principles of computers andprocessor-controlled devices are well known, their hardware and softwarecomponents are not further shown and described. If the reader desiresmore details, the reader is invited to consult the following sources,all incorporated herein by reference: ANDREW TANENBAUM, COMPUTERNETWORKS (4^(th) edition 2003); WILLIAM STALLINGS, COMPUTER ORGANIZATIONAND ARCHITECTURE: DESIGNING FOR PERFORMANCE (7^(th) Ed., 2005); andDAVID A. PATTERSON & JOHN L. HENNESSY, COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND DESIGN:THE HARDWARE/SOFTWARE INTERFACE (3^(rd). Edition 2004).

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating local retrieval of the ring tone 18,according to exemplary embodiments. Here the server-side ring tonemodule 52 retrieves and forwards the contact information 80 to thecalled party's communications device 14. The called party'scommunications device 14 may then retrieve the ring tone 18 thatcorresponds to the contact information 80. As FIG. 6 illustrates, theserver-side ring tone module 52 queries the online address book database60 for the called party's communications address 38 and retrieves thecalled party's address book 82. The server-side ring tone module 52 thenqueries the called party's address book 82 for the calling party'scommunications address 32. The server-side ring tone module 52 thenretrieves the contact information 80 associated with the calling party'scommunications address 32. Here, though, the contact information 80 isthen forwarded to the called party's communications device 14. Thecalled party's communications device 14 then uses the contactinformation 80 to retrieve the personalized ring tone 18.

As FIG. 6 illustrates, the called party's communications device 10 mayexecute a client-side ring tone module 110. The client-side ring tonemodule 110 may comprise processor executable instructions that arestored in memory 112, and a processor 114 may communicate with thememory 112 to execute the client-side ring tone module 110. Theserver-side ring tone module 52 and the client-side ring tone module 110may cooperate to control or manage the ring tone service. When theclient-side ring tone module 110 receives the contact information 80,the client-side ring tone module 110 may then query the ring tonedatabase 100 for the contact information 80. FIG. 6 illustrates the ringtone database 100 as being locally stored in the memory 112 of thecalled party's communications device 10. The ring tone database 100,though, may be remotely stored and accessible via the communicationsnetwork (illustrated as reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1). The client-sidering tone module 110 queries the ring tone database 100 for the contactinformation 80. The client-side ring tone module 110 retrieves the ringtone 18 associated with the contact information 80. The client-side ringtone module 110 then instructs the processor 114 to produce or presentthe ring tone 18 to alert of the incoming communication 12 from thecalling party's communications device 10.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematics further illustrating the contactinformation 80, according to exemplary embodiments. Here the server-sidering tone module 52 may retrieve a group identifier 130 from the calledparty's address book 82. When the calling party's communications device10 initiates or sends the communication 12 to the called party'scommunications device 14, the server-side ring tone module 52 queriesthe online address book database 60 for the called party'scommunications address 38. The server-side ring tone module 52 retrievesthe corresponding address book 82 that is associated with the calledparty's communications address 38.

As FIG. 7 illustrates, the calling party's communications address 32 maybe associated with the group identifier 130. When a subscriberestablishes their corresponding address book 82, the subscriber mayassociate one or more calling parties to a group or roster. Callers orsenders may be grouped according to any common association thesubscriber desires. The members of a cub scouts troop, for example, maygrouped together, such that each member's communications address(es)is/are associated to the same group identifier 130. The subscriber maygroup family members with one common group identifier 130 and co-workerswith another group identifier 130. Members of a basketball team mayshare a common group identifier, while members of a book club may shareanother group identifier. As FIG. 7 illustrates, then, the subscriber'saddress book 82 may include a mapping, association, or tag between thecaller's communications address 32 and the corresponding groupidentifier 130. As FIG. 7 also illustrates, the caller's communicationsaddress 32 may even be associated to multiple group identifiers 130,implying the caller is a member of more than one grouping. Theserver-side ring tone module 52 may thus retrieve the group identifier130 that associates the calling party's communications address 32 to agroup of contacts in the called party's address book 82.

As FIG. 8 illustrates, ring tones may be then selected according to thegroup identifier 130. Once the group identifier 130 is known, theserver-side ring tone module 52 may then query the ring tone database100 for the group identifier 130. The ring tone database 100 retrievesthe personalized ring tone 18 that is associated with the groupidentifier 130. The server-side ring tone module 52 then causes thecommunications network 16 to process the personalized ring tone 18 as anaudible and/or visual alert to the incoming communication 12. When thepersonalized ring tone 18 is produced at the called party'scommunications device 14, the called party subscriber immediately knowsthat a member of the grouping is attempting to call or send acommunication.

Here, then, exemplary embodiments permit the subscriber to associate acommon ring tone 18 to a grouping of communications addresses. Shouldany member of a group call or send a communication, the common ring tone18 alerts the called party subscriber to the caller's or sender's groupidentity. If all members of a cub scout troop, for example, share acommon group identifier, then the common ring tone 18 alerts the calledparty subscriber that a troop member is calling. If an employer'sadvertising jingle is heard, then the subscriber knows a co-worker iscalling. If a collegiate fight song is heard, then the caller/sender mayshare the same grouping as other collegiate buddies. Exemplaryembodiments thus permit common, personalized ring tones for members ofgroups.

Moreover, the common ring tone 18 provides subject matter context. Whenthe called party's communications device 14 produces the common ringtone 18, the called party subscriber immediately knows the caller's orsender's group identity. That group identity, though, may also providecontext. That is, the common ring tone 18 may imply the subject matterof the incoming communication 12. When the cub scouts' common ring toneis seen/heard, for example, the called party subscriber may infer thatthe subject matter of the communication involves a troop issue. If theemployer's advertising jingle is heard, then perhaps an email concernsan employment task or situation. The common ring tone 18, then, may alsoprovide subject matter context for incoming calls, emails, and othercommunications.

The common ring tone 18 may thus represent social relationships. Ringtones may be defined for social networking groups, such as FACEBOOK® andMY SPACE®. If the calling party and/or the called party is a FACEBOOK®or MY SPACE® friend, for example, a predetermined ring tone may bepresented to alert of that social group. FACEBOOK® friends may have adifferent ring tone from MY SPACE® friends. Similarly, ring backs may bedefined for other social and professional networking groups.

Exemplary embodiments may also infer relationships. Because thesubscriber's address book 82 may include mappings or associationsbetween the caller's communications address 32 and the correspondinggroup identifier 130, exemplary embodiments may infer relationships bythe type and structure of the end-point address associated with acontact (such as the caller's communications address 32). For example,when the caller has a TWITTER® identifier in the subscriber's addressbook 82, that identifier would imply that the caller/sender is aTWITTER® user. If a FACEBOOK® identifier is retrieved or obtained,FACEBOOK® may be inferred. The group identifier 130, then, may be usedto obtain social networking relationships and a corresponding ring tone.

Exemplary embodiments may infer other relationships, too. When forexample, the calling party and the called party are both FACEBOOK®“friends,” for example, the subscriber's address book 82 may include asocial graph that reveals other relationships. Second-order “friends ofa friend,” may have a different ring tone than first-order friends. Afirst-order friend may have a distinctive ring tone, while second-orderfriends of that friend all have a different, common ring tone.

Open access to social networking sites may also spawn relationships.With open access to a social networking website's underlying socialgraph, one could easily identify individuals within the social graph byusing the called party's address book (e.g., the subscriber's addressbook 82) as an index into various social graphs. The relationship orderis then determined by a shortest route map traversal from the calledparty to the calling party.

FIG. 9 is another schematic illustrating local retrieval of the ringtone 18, according to exemplary embodiments. As FIGS. 7 and 8illustrated, the server-side ring tone module 52 may use the callingparty's communications address 32, and/or the called party'scommunications address 38, to select the group identifier 130. Once thegroup identifier 130 is known, the server-side ring tone module 52 maythen send the group identifier 130 to the called party's communicationsdevice 14. The group identifier 130, for example, may be packetized andsent to the communications address 38 associated with the called party'scommunications device 14. The group identifier 130 may additionally oralternatively be sent over a signaling channel and routed to the calledparty's communications device 14.

Regardless, the group identifier 130 may be used to locally retrieve thepersonalized ring tone 18. When the group identifier 130 is received,the client-side ring tone module 110 may then consult the ring tonedatabase 100. Here, again, the ring tone database 100 is locally storedand maintained in the memory 112 of the called party's communicationsdevice 14. The client-side ring tone module 110 queries the ring tonedatabase 100 for the group identifier 130. The client-side ring tonemodule 110 retrieves the common ring tone 18 that is associated with thegroup identifier 130. The client-side ring tone module 110 theninstructs the processor 114 to produce or present the ring tone 18 toalert of the incoming communication 12 from the calling party'scommunications device 10. The common ring tone 18 alerts the calledparty subscriber to the caller's or sender's group identity. The commonring tone 18 may also provide subject matter context for the incomingcommunication 12.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematics illustrating end notes, according toexemplary embodiments. Here one or more notes may be appended to anyring tone. These notes are preferably played after any ring tone toindicate that the sender or caller is associated with a group. The endnotes, then, signify that the calling party is a member of a group, andthe end note(s) may identify the subject matter context of the incomingcommunication 12. As FIG. 10 illustrates, once the group identifier 130is known (as the paragraphs accompanying FIGS. 7 and 8 explained), theserver-side ring tone module 52 may then query the ring tone database100 for the group identifier 130. Here, though, the ring tone database100 associates the group identifier 130 to one or more end note(s) 140.The ring tone database 100 retrieves the end note(s) 140 associated withthe group identifier 130. The server-side ring tone module 52 thencauses the communications network (illustrated as reference numeral 16in FIG. 1) to process the end note(s) 140 as an audible and/or visualalert to the incoming communication 12. The end note(s) may be appendedto any standard, generic, or custom ring tone 18 that is sent to thecalled party's communications device 14. The end note(s) 140 arepreferable played nearly immediately after the ring tone 18. Thestandard, generic, or custom ring tone 18 thus provides the initialalert to obtain the called party's attention. The appended end note(s)140 then identify the sender's or caller's group membership and perhapscontextual subject matter.

FIG. 11 illustrates local retrieval of the end note(s) 140. As FIGS. 7and 8 illustrated, the server-side ring tone module 52 may use thecalling party's communications address 32, and/or the called party'scommunications address 38, to select the group identifier 130. Once thegroup identifier 130 is known, the server-side ring tone module 52 maythen cause the communications server 50 to send the group identifier 130to the called party's communications device 14. When the groupidentifier 130 is received, the client-side ring tone module 110 queriesthe ring tone database 100 for the group identifier 130. The client-sidering tone module 110 retrieves the end note(s) 140 that is/areassociated with the group identifier 130. The client-side ring tonemodule 110 then causes the called party's communications device 14 toappend the end note(s) 140 to any standard, generic, or custom ringtone. The end note(s) 140 alert the called party subscriber to thecaller's or sender's group identity.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating a ring tone identifier 150,according to exemplary embodiments. Here the called party'scommunications device 14 is only provided the ring tone identifier 150,and the called party's communications device 14 must locally or remotelyretrieve the personalized ring tone 18 that corresponds to the ring toneidentifier 150. Because much of FIG. 12 is similar to FIGS. 2-5, FIG. 12is only simply illustrated and briefly described. When the callingparty's communications device 10 initiates or sends the communication12, the communication 12 is processed for eventual delivery ortermination at the called party's communications device 14. Theserver-side ring tone module 52 queries the online address book database60 for the called party's communications address 38. The online addressbook database 60 performs a lookup and retrieves the correspondingaddress book 82 that is associated with the called party'scommunications address 38. The server-side ring tone module 52 thenqueries the called party's address book 82 for the calling party'scommunications address 32. The server-side ring tone module 52 retrievesthe contact information 80 associated with the calling party'scommunications address 32. The server-side ring tone module 52 thenqueries a ring tone identifier database 152 for the contact information80. The ring tone identification database 152 associates the contactinformation 80 to the ring tone identifier 150. The ring tone identifier150 is any information that represents or indicates what ring tone isdesired for the corresponding contact information 80. The ring toneidentifier 150, for example, may be a file name of the ring tone 18associated with the contact information 80. The ring tone identificationdatabase 152 retrieves the ring tone identifier 150 associated with thecontact information 80. The server-side ring tone module 52 then causesthe communications server 50 to send the ring tone identifier 150 to thecalled party's communications device 14. The client-side ring tonemodule 110 then queries the ring tone database 100 for the ring toneidentifier 150. The ring tone database 100 is again illustrated as beinglocally stored in the called party's communications device 14, but thering tone database 100 may be remotely stored and accessed via thecommunications network (illustrated as reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1).The client-side ring tone module 110 retrieves the associated,personalized ring tone 18 and the called party's communications device14 presents the personalized ring tone 18 as an alert to the incomingcommunication 12.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating email profiles, according toexemplary embodiments. The above paragraphs explained how the contactinformation 80 from a subscriber's address book 82 may be used toprovide a personalized ring tone service. As the subscriber's number ofcontacts grows, however, the subscriber's address book may become toolarge and unwieldy for synchronous use amongst multiple devices.Exemplary embodiments, then, may utilize the online address bookdatabase 60 for centralized storage of the subscriber's correspondingaddress book 82.

This centralized concept may be extended to email profiles. As asubscriber's email profile grows, the email profile may become too largeand unwieldy for synchronous use amongst multiple devices. As those ofordinary skill in the art understand, email profiles are oftenestablished in many software applications that manage the subscriber'semail, calendar, contacts, and task activities. An email profile, forexample, is established by MICROSOFT® OUTLOOK® to store email activity,calendaring information, the contact information 80, and taskinformation. When the subscriber sends and receives emails, makes anappointment in their electronic calendar, sets a task, or saves acontact address, that information is stored in the subscriber'scorresponding email profile. MICROSOFT® OUTLOOK® creates and maintainsall this information in an email profile file (such as a .pst file), andother software applications create similar profile files (because theseemail profiles are so well known, no further explanation is needed). Ifthe subscriber wishes to synchronize this information between multipledevices (such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, and cell phone),the subscriber's .pst file must be exported and imported amongst themultiple communications devices. As the subscriber's profile informationgrows, though, the subscriber's email profile file may become too largefor import/export operations. Many devices, for example, will not save afile that exceeds 4 GB in size. A subscriber's email profile (e.g., .pstfile) may easily exceed that size limitation.

FIG. 13, then, illustrates a centralized email profile database 160. Theemail profile database 160 is a centralized, online repository for thesubscriber's corresponding email profile 162. As the subscriber's emailactivity, calendaring activity, and other profile information grows, theemail profile database 160 provides a single repository for all of thesubscriber's email, calendar, contacts, and task information. The emailprofile database 160 is illustrated as being stored in thecommunications server 50, but email profile database 160 may be remotelyqueried and accessed via the communications network (illustrated asreference numeral 16 in FIG. 1). When the calling party's communicationsdevice 10 sends or places the communication 12, the server-side ringtone module 52 queries the email profile database 160 for the calledparty's communications address 38. The email profile database 160performs a lookup and retrieves the corresponding email profile 162 thatis associated with the called party's communications address 38.

The server-side ring tone module 52 may then retrieve the contactinformation 80. Once the called party's corresponding email profile 162is obtained from the email profile database 160, the called party'semail profile 162 may be used to retrieve the contact information 80.The server-side ring tone module 52 queries the called party's emailprofile 162 for the calling party's communications address 32. Theserver-side ring tone module 52 retrieves the contact information 80associated with the calling party's communications address 32.

Now that the contact information 80 is known, the personalized ring tone18 may be selected. The server-side ring tone module 52, for example,may then query the ring tone database 100 for the contact information80. The ring tone database 100 retrieves the personalized ring tone 18associated with the contact information 80. The server-side ring tonemodule 52 then causes the communications network 16 to process thepersonalized ring tone 18 as an audible and/or visual alert to theincoming communication 12.

The personalized ring tone 18, however, may also be locally selected.Once the contact information 80 is obtained from the called party'semail profile 162, the server-side ring tone module 52 may send thecontact information 80 to the called party's communications device 14.The client-side ring tone module 110 then queries the ring tone database100 for the contact information 80. FIG. 13 also illustrates the ringtone database 100 as being optionally locally stored in the calledparty's communications device 10. The client-side ring tone module 110retrieves the ring tone 18 that is associated with the contactinformation 80. The client-side ring tone module 110 then instructs thecalled party's communications device 10 to produce or present the ringtone 18 to alert of the incoming communication 12 from the callingparty's communications device 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates another operating environment, according toexemplary embodiments. Here the server-side ring tone module 52 and theclient-side ring tone module 110 may interface with a Public SwitchedTelephone Network 200 and with a distributed computing network 202 (suchas the Internet or local-area network). As those of ordinary skill inthe art understand, this operating environment may utilize a packetprotocol, such as the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). This operatingenvironment may also utilize voice service protocols, triggers, and/oroperations that allow the Public Switched Telephone Network 200 and thedistributed computing network 202 to interoperate. The communicationsserver 50, for example, may interface with a packet-based “softswitch”that uses software control to provide voice, data, and video services bydynamically changing its connection data rates and protocols types. Thecommunications server 50 may alternatively or additionally includeAdvanced Intelligent Network (AIN) componentry. This operatingenvironment, however, is well understood in the art and will not befurther described. If a reader desires a more detailed explanation, thereader is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,719 issued to Weisser (Jul. 4,1995) and to U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,817 issued to Dunn et al. (Jun. 29,1999.

FIGS. 15-16 are schematics illustrating still more exemplaryembodiments. FIG. 15 is a generic block diagram illustrating theserver-side ring tone module 52, and/or the client-side ring tone module110, may operate within a processor-controlled device 210. Theserver-side ring tone module 52 and/or the client-side ring tone module110 may be stored in a memory subsystem of the processor-controlleddevice 210. One or more processors communicate with the memory subsystemand execute the server-side ring tone module 52 and/or the client-sidering tone module 110. Because the processor-controlled device 210illustrated in FIG. 15 is well-known to those of ordinary skill in theart, no detailed explanation is needed.

FIG. 16 illustrates that the server-side ring tone module 52, and/or theclient-side ring tone module 110, may also entirely or partially operatewithin various other communications devices 220. As FIG. 16 shows, theserver-side ring tone module 52 and/or the client-side ring tone module110 may operate in a personal digital assistant (PDA) 222, a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) device 224, an interactive television 226, anInternet Protocol (IP) phone 228, a pager 230, a cellular/satellitephone 232, or any computer system and/or communications device utilizinga digital signal processor (DSP) 234. The communications devices 220 mayalso include watches, radios, vehicle electronics, clocks, printers,gateways, and other apparatuses and systems.

FIGS. 17-19 are schematics further illustrating various communicationsdevices for presenting ring tones, according to exemplary embodiments.FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a Subscriber Identity Module 300, whileFIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate, respectively, the Subscriber Identity Module300 embodied in a plug 302 and in a card 304. As those of ordinary skillin the art recognize, the Subscriber Identity Module 300 may be used inconjunction with many communications devices (such as those illustratedin FIGS. 14-16). The Subscriber Identity Module 300 stores userinformation (such as the user's International Mobile SubscriberIdentity, the user's K, number, and other user information) and anyportion of the server-side ring tone module 52 and/or the client-sidering tone module 110. As those of ordinary skill in the art alsorecognize, the plug 302 and the card 304 each interface with thecommunications device. While exemplary embodiments are applicable to anystandard, some such standards are GSM Standards 2.17 and 11.11 and ISOStandard 7816, with each incorporated herein by reference. The GSMStandard 2.17 is formally known as “European digital cellulartelecommunications system (Phase 1); Subscriber Identity Modules,Functional Characteristics (GSM 02.17 V3.2.0 (1995-01)).” The GSMStandard 11.11 is formally known as “Digital cellular telecommunicationssystem (Phase 2+) (GSM); Specification of the Subscriber IdentityModule—Mobile Equipment (Subscriber Identity Module—ME) interface (GSM11.11 V5.3.0 (1996-07)).” Both GSM standards are available from theEuropean Telecommunication Standards Institute (650 route des Lucioles,06921 Sophia-Antipolis Cedex, FRANCE, Tel.: +33 (0)4 92 94 42 00, Fax:+33 (0)4 93 65 47 16, www.etsi.org). The ISO Standard 7816 is formallyknown as “Information technology—Identification cards—Integratedcircuit(s) cards with contacts,” and the standard is available from theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) (1, rue de Varembé,Case, postale 56CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, Telephone +41 22 749 0111, Telefax +41 22 733 34 30, www.iso.org).

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the Subscriber Identity Module 300,whether embodied as the plug 302 of FIG. 17 or as the card 304 of FIG.18. Here the Subscriber Identity Module 300 comprises a microprocessor306 (μP) communicating with memory modules 308 via a data bus 310. Thememory modules 308 may include Read Only Memory (ROM) 312, Random AccessMemory (RAM) and or flash memory 314, and ElectricallyErasable-Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) 316. The SubscriberIdentity Module 300 stores some or all of the server-side ring tonemodule 52 and/or the client-side ring tone module 110 in one or more ofthe memory modules 308. FIG. 19 shows the server-side ring tone module52 and/or the client-side ring tone module 110 residing in theErasable-Programmable Read Only Memory 316, yet either module mayalternatively or additionally reside in the Read Only Memory 312 and/orthe Random Access/Flash Memory 314. An Input/Output module 318 handlescommunication between the Subscriber Identity Module 300 and thecommunications device. Because Subscriber Identity Modules are wellknown in the art, this patent will not further discuss the operation andthe physical/memory structure of the Subscriber Identity Module 300. If,however, the reader desires more information on the Subscriber IdentityModule, the reader is directed to the following sources: LAWRENCE HARTEet al., GSM SUPERPHONES 99-100, 113-14 (1999); SIEGMUND REDL et al., GSMAND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK 303-69 (1998); and JOACHIM TISAL,GSM CELLULAR RADIO TELEPHONY 99-130 (1997), with each incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 20 is a schematic further illustrating various communicationsdevices for presenting ring tones, according to exemplary embodiments.FIG. 20 is a block diagram of another communications device 350utilizing the server-side ring tone module 52 and/or the client-sidering tone module 110. Here the communications device 350 comprises aradio transceiver unit 352, an antenna 354, a digital baseband chipset356, and a man/machine interface (MMI) 358. The transceiver unit 352includes transmitter circuitry 360 and receiver circuitry 362 forreceiving and transmitting radio-frequency (RF) signals. The transceiverunit 352 couples to the antenna 354 for converting electrical current toand from electromagnetic waves. The digital baseband chipset 356contains a digital signal processor (DSP) 364 and performs signalprocessing functions for audio (voice) signals and RF signals. As FIG.20 shows, the digital baseband chipset 356 may also include an on-boardmicroprocessor 366 that interacts with the man/machine interface (MMI)358. The man/machine interface (MMI) 358 may comprise a display device368, a keypad 370, and the Subscriber Identity Module 300. The on-boardmicroprocessor 366 may perform TDMA, CDMA, GSM or other protocolfunctions and control functions for the radio circuitry 360 and 362, forthe display device 368, and for the keypad 370. The on-boardmicroprocessor 366 may also interface with the Subscriber IdentityModule 300 and with the server-side ring tone module 52 and/or theclient-side ring tone module 110. Because the functional architecture ofthe communications device 350 is well known to those of ordinary skillin the art, the communications device 350 will not be further discussed.If the reader desires a more detailed explanation, the reader is invitedto consult the following sources: LAWRENCE HARTE et al., GSM SUPERPHONES105-120 (1999); SIEGMUND REDL et al., GSM AND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONSHANDBOOK 389-474 (1998); and JOACHIM TISAL, GSM CELLULAR RADIO TELEPHONY99-130 (1997).

Exemplary embodiments may be applied to any signaling standard. As thoseof ordinary skill in the art recognize, FIGS. 17-19 may illustrate aGlobal System for Mobile (GSM) communications device. That is, thecommunications device may utilize the Global System for Mobile (GSM)communications signaling standard. Those of ordinary skill in the art,however, also recognize that exemplary embodiments are equallyapplicable to any communications device utilizing the Time DivisionMultiple Access signaling standard, the Code Division Multiple Accesssignaling standard, the “dual-mode” GSM-ANSI Interoperability Team(GAIT) signaling standard, or any variant of the GSM/CDMA/TDMA signalingstandard. Exemplary embodiments may also be applied to other standards,such as the I.E.E.E. 802 family of standards, the Industrial,Scientific, and Medical band of the electromagnetic spectrum,BLUETOOTH®, and any other.

FIG. 21 is another schematic illustrating this ring tone service,according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 21 illustrates a graphical userinterface 400 that maybe displayed by the called party's communicationsdevice 14. The graphical user interface 400 allows the called party toselect the personalized ring tone 18 that is presented to the callingparty. The graphical user interface 400 may provide a selection of ringtones to the called party. The called party may use a keypad 402 orother control to scroll through the graphical user interface 400 and toselect the desired personalized ring tone 18. The called party may thenassociate the calling party's communications address (illustrated asreference numeral 32 in FIG. 2) with the desired personalized ring tone18. The association may be even be automatically performed by theclient-side ring tone module 110 (or by the server-side ring tone module52 illustrated in FIG. 2), such as when a calling number or InternetProtocol address is received with an incoming call or incomingcommunication. Once the called party selects the desired personalizedring tone 18, the client-side ring tone module 110 associates the ringtone 18 to the contact information 80, to the group identifier 130,and/or to the email profile 162 (as the above paragraphs explained).

Exemplary embodiments may be applied to an Internet Protocolenvironment. Exemplary embodiments may analyze a header portion and/or apayload portion of one or more packets of data. The header portionand/or the payload portion may include data representing a callingnumber, a called number, a sender's Internet Protocol address, and/or arecipient's Internet Protocol address. Exemplary embodiments may thenuse this packetized data to retrieve the personalized ring tone 18, asthe above paragraphs explained.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing thepersonalized ring tone 18, according to exemplary embodiments. Agraphical user interface is stored in memory (Block 500). The graphicaluser interface may be stored in the memory of a computer (such as thecommunications server 50), and the graphical user interface may beaccessed/downloaded via the Internet. The graphical user interface mayadditionally or alternatively be locally stored in the memory of acommunications device. The graphical user interface presents a selectionof ring tones to the subscriber. The selection of ring tones allows thesubscriber to specify the ring tone to be presented on the calledparty's communications device 14. The subscriber may be allowed topreview a ring tone (Block 502), thus allowing the subscriber to see,hear, feel, and/or otherwise experience the ring tone before selection.The subscriber's selection of a ring tone is accepted (Block 504), andthe subscriber or network intelligence may associate the ring tone to atelephone number or an Internet Protocol address of a calling party(Block 506). The selected ring tone is processed (Block 508) andpresented to alert of an incoming communication (Block 510).

FIG. 23 is another flowchart illustrating another method of providingthe personalized ring tone 18, according to exemplary embodiments. Acommunication is processed from a first communications address to asecond communications address (Block 600). An electronic database isqueried for the second communications address (Block 602). Contactinformation 80, associated with the first communications address, isretrieved (Block 604). A group identifier 130 may be retrieved from thecontact information 80 that associates the first communications addressto a group of contacts (Block 606). A ring tone database is queried forthe contact information and/or for the group identifier 130 (Block 608).The ring tone associated with the contact information 80 and the groupidentifier 130 is retrieved (Block 610) and processed to alert thesecond communications address to the communication from the firstcommunications address (Block 612). The group identifier 130 may be sentto the second communications address (Block 614) and associated to endnote(s) 140 (Block 616). The end note(s) 140 may be appended to an alertat the second communications address (Block 618).

The terms “processed,” “process,” “processing,” and variants, as usedherein, encompass any event from the time the calling party'scommunications device 10 initiates a communication to the termination ofthe communication. The terms “processed,” “process,” “processing,” andvariants include storing the ring tone 18 in memory, routing a voicepath, signaling setup, and intelligence queries (e.g., Local NumberPortability queries, queries to retrieve Calling/Called Name/Numberinformation, AIN queries, and standard signaling messages to determinecall routing paths). The terms “processed,” “process,” “processing,” andvariants also include monitoring an established telephone call forpossible DTMF entry, switch hook flash, other events that indicate aparty on the telephone call has requested something, and delivery ofcall waiting tones and data. The terms “processed,” “process,”“processing,” and variants also include identification of packets, ofpacket headers, and of the payload contents of packets. The terms“processed,” “process,” “processing,” and variants include decipheringthe payload contents of a packet and acting on those payload contents.The terms “processed,” “process,” “processing,” and variants alsoinclude storing ring tone selections in memory, retrieving those ringtone selections, and communicating those ring tone selections to thecalled party. The terms “processed,” “process,” “processing,” andvariants, however, also encompass billing activities and measurements ata switch or any other network element.

Exemplary embodiments may also be applied to busy signals. As mostpeople know, when a telephone line is dedicated for a phone call and/ora data session, another caller hears a busy signal. This busy signalindicates the called party's line is engaged in a telephone/data session(e.g., Internet Call Waiting). Exemplary embodiments could also beapplied to customizable busy signals. That is, the called party usesthis service to determine the type of busy signal heard by the callingparty. The calling party might hear a favorite song, view a picture,view portions of a movie, or see other graphics. The subscriber mighteven select personal pictures, self-composed music, and/or streamedaudio and/or video content (such as radio, stock quotes, news, weather,and/or advertisements). The called party might also specify a busysignal by electronic calendar entries, such as the day of the week, thetime of day, and/or appointments in the calendar. The called partysubscriber may even associate particular busy signals to particularcalling parties, thus providing a variety of personalized busy signals.

Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in acomputer-readable medium. This computer-readable medium may includeCD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, disk, memory card, and large-capacity disk.This computer-readable medium, or media, could be distributed toend-users, licensees, and assignees. A computer program product forproviding ring tones to a called party comprises the computer-readablemedium and processor-readable instructions for performing a method ofproviding ring tones, as the above paragraphs explained.

While exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to variousfeatures, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in theart will recognize exemplary embodiments are not so limited. Othervariations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

1. A method, comprising: processing a communication from a sendingaddress to a recipient address; querying a database for the recipientaddress, the database storing associations between addresses and socialnetworks; retrieving a social network associated with the recipientaddress; querying an alert database for the social network, the alertdatabase storing associations between social networks and alerts;retrieving an alert associated with the social network; and processingthe alert to notify the recipient address of the communication from thesending address.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein retrievingthe alert comprises retrieving a ring tone.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, wherein processing the communication comprises processing acall.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein processing thecommunication comprises processing an electronic message.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising sending the alert to therecipient address.
 6. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising playing the alert.
 7. The method according to claim 1,further comprising receiving a selection of the alert to associate withthe social network.
 8. A system, comprising: a processor; memory; andinstructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processorat least to: process a communication from a sending address to arecipient address; query a database for the recipient address, thedatabase storing associations between addresses and social networks;retrieve a social network associated with the recipient address; queryan alert database for the social network, the alert database storingassociations between social networks and alerts; retrieve an alertassociated with the social network; and process the alert to notify therecipient address of the communication from the sending address.
 9. Thesystem according to claim 8, wherein the code further causes theprocessor to retrieve a ring tone.
 10. The system according to claim 8,wherein the code further causes the processor to process a call.
 11. Thesystem according to claim 8, wherein the code further causes theprocessor to process an electronic message.
 12. The system according toclaim 8, wherein the code further causes the processor to send the alertto the recipient address.
 13. The system according to claim 8, whereinthe code further causes the processor to play the alert.
 14. The systemaccording to claim 8, wherein the code further causes the processor toreceive a selection of the alert to associate with the social network.15. A computer readable storage medium storing processor-executableinstructions for performing a method of providing a ring tone, themethod comprising: processing a communication from a sending address toa recipient address; querying a database for the recipient address, thedatabase storing associations between addresses and social networks;retrieving a social network associated with the recipient address;querying an alert database for the social network, the alert databasestoring associations between social networks and alerts; retrieving analert associated with the social network; and processing the alert tonotify the recipient address of the communication from the sendingaddress.
 16. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 15,further comprising instructions for retrieving a ring tone.
 17. Thecomputer readable storage medium according to claim 15, furthercomprising instructions for processing a call.
 18. The computer readablestorage medium according to claim 15, further comprising instructionsfor processing an electronic message.
 19. The computer readable storagemedium according to claim 15, further comprising instructions forsending the alert to the recipient address.
 20. The computer readablestorage medium according to claim 15, further comprising instructionsfor playing the alert.